But now two dead squirrels have been found at Stover, and it is believed that their injuries could have been caused by dogs, despite the new signs being put in place.

Ducks swimming on Stover Lake (Image: Rachael Dale)

Louise Trewern, who lives in Buckfastleigh but goes to the wildlife haven regularly, saw one of the dead squirrels and took a picture to show to the park ranger.

She said: “It’s very distressing what’s been happening at Stover. I went and spoke to the ranger about it and showed her my picture. She said it’s by no means the first.

“Plus the attacks on the birds and even other dogs! The ranger said that despite the dogs on leads rules being in place for ever they have no way to prosecute and they are hoping to get some bylaws passed.

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“I am a dog lover although I don’t have one currently and I also love the wildlife. If everyone obeyed the rules there is no reason why the two can’t coexist together.”

The Council says that dog walkers have always been advised to keep their four-legged friends ‘under close control’, and that although no one witnessed the deaths of the two squirrels, they could have been the result of a dog attack.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: "Following a fatal attack on a duck before Christmas in front of a young family, posters have been erected around Stover Lake requesting dog owners keep their dogs on leads around the lake and watercourses.

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Louise Trewern took this photograph of one of the dead squirrels to show to the park ranger (Image: Louise Trewern)

“Two dead squirrels have been found on the lake path this week, and while no-one witnessed the cause of the deaths, the injuries were similar in both cases and could have been sustained by dogs.

“Stover Country Park is designated as a Local Nature Reserve and, as such, politely requests visitors to respect the resident wildlife and keep their dogs under close control at all times."